We were lucky to catch up with Savannah Simmons recently and have shared our conversation below.

Savannah, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. One of our favorite things to brainstorm about with friends who’ve built something entrepreneurial is what they would do differently if they were to start over today. Surely, there are things you’ve learned that would allow you to do it over faster, more efficiently. We’d love to hear how you would go about setting things up if you were starting over today, knowing everything that you already know.

If I was starting over today, whether it be in the writing or tattoo industry, I would work harder to pay attention to the art I want to create, versus the art I think I “should” be creating to fit in with the masses and get more clients. I think one of the biggest things I’ve learned in the past year as I’ve continued by journey with writing, in all forms, and dipped my toes into the tattoo industry as an apprentice, is that I can only go so far creating art that doesn’t feel like my own.

I have a non traditional approach to everything I do, and that’s always been something that makes me insecure about my art, but I’m learning to love and respect my own creative process, and every outcome that comes with that. I feel that my art is better received now in being true to myself. I feel much more inspired to create, and I feel like I can more easily connect with clients and individuals who share an interest in my work because it all feels more true to my creative style and abilities. It’s nice to be able to truly see myself in my art.

It’s been a very long journey to get to where I am now and feel comfortable with everything I am creating, but things feel so much more natural. If I would have just let go and allowed myself to create art that sets my soul on fire since day one, I can’t even imagine where I would be right now, but it’s all part of the process.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

For as long as I can remember, I have been a writer. It’s something that I always showed an interest in at a young age, and that has followed me into adulthood. I went to community college and received an Associate’s Degree in English, but after dealing with some intense family and personal issues, I decided to take a break from college, and put getting a Bachelor’s on hold. While in college, and after, I have done many small job offerings for clients when it comes to copywriting websites, artist bios, running social media and creating copy for brands, individuals, businesses, and even just helping friends out with some informal writing pieces. Currently, I am mostly taking smaller odd jobs that can be finished in the course of a few weeks, as I am focused on developing more of my creative writing skills when it comes to poetry, prose, etc. I am very focused on exploring poetry and it’s impact on the digital, fast paced world we live in today.

One of my largest personal goals is to publish a book, and that is something I am currently learning more about so I can get myself moving in the right direction. That said, I am always offering the opportunity to work with me for anything poetry and prose related, in addition to working with new clients that want my help with bringing together a vision for their personal brand, website, product, etc. I pride myself in having written for so many unique types of industries and businesses over the years. I have a passion for writing, in all of it’s forms, and I love taking a step back at the end of a job and seeing the beauty that I have helped my clients create.

I am also entering into the tattoo industry head first, as of this year. I have been apprenticing since early 2021, and as of a few months ago, am officially tattooing full time out of a shop based in Big Bear, California. I am very new to the industry, but am slowly learning to perfect my craft, and am very proud of the work I have been able to put out so far. I am currently working with almost any style my clients throw at me, but my heart lies in my stipple/dot work style realism and surrealism. I love creating work with an edge, and I love coming up with new and exciting illustrations that will live with my clients for the rest of their lives.

In addition to my tattoo work, I am also currently taking commissions for any type of illustration projects. I have experience with designing logos, business cards, custom pieces of art, and more. I have experience in a variety of styles and mediums, and am always willing to challenge myself to learn something new in order to compete a unique or interesting project.

I want my clients to know that I take immense pride in everything I create, and I consider both my writing, and my tattoo/illustrative work an extension of myself. I always put my all into everything I create, and I am always overjoyed to be able to make my clients visions a reality.

How did you build your audience on social media?

I have a very small, but loyal following on my social media. My “personal” instagram page is my main avenue used for posting on social media. Currently it has just over five thousand followers, which in today’s society, isn’t much, but it has served me so well with various artistic and business endeavors I have taken in the past few years. I began putting thought into my social media presence in 2018, and saw massive growth (from 500-around 8,000 followers) within the first few years. I attribute that growth, even through the loss of a few thousand followers since the pandemic began, to showing my true self on my social media. I have had many artistic pursuits over the years, and I think the one thing that has allowed me to grow on social media and make conscious connections with other creators and individuals is the fact that I am always being genuine, transparent, and true to myself and my art. I honestly believe that showcasing the art that I love the most, as well as allowing people into my personal life at a level that includes healthy boundaries, has been essential in having my following show an interest in who I am as a person, and my art.

I strongly believe that you can use all the hashtags in the world, follow all of the social media guidelines for building a following, etc., etc., and still struggle with building an audience that is interested in your work, if you’re not showing up and being genuine in the way that you share. I think one of the things that I like to remind myself is that five followers who are fully in love with your work mean more than five hundred followers who might not fully support you and your creative pursuits.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

For me, one of the largest lessons I had to unlearn was the fact that I do not need a college degree to succeed in the industries I am currently working in. From a very young age, it was instilled in me that if I didn’t have a Bachelor’s Degree, at the very least, I would not be able to provide for myself and my future family. I have had anxieties surrounding choosing to not continue my higher education for years, but I am finally reaching a point in my life where I am beginning to see that I truly do not need a degree to succeed.

A few years ago, I had a conversation with someone who has worked in the publishing industry for 30+ years, and I will never forget what they said to me when I asked about the significance of continuing my higher education. They pointed out that most of the writers they have working for them on their team do not have college degrees. These are people who are writing and publishing New York Times Bestsellers on a regular basis and a very small amount of them have college degrees! It blew my mind. This conversation changed my life. It made me realize that if I put my all into learning and perfecting my craft, and put my heart into my work, there is nothing that can stand in my way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.savannahleesimmons.myportfolio.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/theboringfriend
• Twitter: www.twitter.com/feralratbabe
• Other: www.patreon.com/theboringfriend www.msha.ke/theboringfriend

Image Credits
Photos by Savannah Lee Simmons